Fight back against aggressive drivers

A visitor to our area recently told me that he was driving slowly through Waverley West with his young son on a Saturday morning, looking at some recent developments in the area. Another vehicle wanted to get by. The slow driver waved the other driver to pass in the free lane, and an argument ensued.

Unfortunately, there have been multiple reports of vehicles travelling too fast or aggressively through Waverley West, including large construction vehicles.

"The speed limit on residential streets is 50-km/h but all drivers are required to drive at appropriate speeds based on road and traffic conditions," Malo says.

"It is expected that when proceeding toward or past occupied school zones, playgrounds or other slow moving traffic or pedestrians, drivers must drive at a safe and appropriate speed based on all circumstances," he continues.

"If circumstances warrant a slower speed and a driver continues past at an unsafe speed (even if that speed is at or below the posted limit) that driver could be charged under several sections of the Highway Traffic Act."

In Waverley West, which is a largely residential region with houses facing busy streets, children playing outside in yards or playgrounds and walking paths intersecting with roadways, it is not unusual to come across slower moving vehicles or people near the street.

If a residents encounter a driving infraction, they should contact the local traffic unit, as it will take multiple complaints before an area will be targeted.

"The Community Support Unit in your area has traffic officers tasked with dealing with neighbourhood complaints and maintains a complaint file specifically listing traffic related issues," Malo says.

"For a complaint such as this, the officer may attend and assess the situation to determine what type of offences may be occurring and determining the appropriate action to deal with the issue," he says.

"If the officer determines offences are occurring, he can take enforcement action including stopping and warning the driver or issuing offence notices."

The District 2 Community Support Unit is responsible for the Waverley West area. The direct line to its supervisor is 204-986-2839.

Kristi Anaka is a community correspondent for Waverley West. You can contact her at kristianaka@gmail.com.

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